Immunisation plays a crucial role in safeguarding children from preventable diseases. However, a recent study conducted in two slum areas of Dhaka City reveals challenges in ensuring that all children complete their immunisation schedules. The findings highlight key factors contributing to immunisation dropout, offering valuable insights to support the mission of the Country Learning Hub (CLH) Bangladesh in reducing zero-dose (ZD) and under-immunised (UI) children, ensuring vaccination equity across the country.

The study surveyed 120 mothers of children aged 1 to 18 months from the Tongi and Korail slums of Dhaka, aiming to understand the reasons behind immunisation dropout. Among the respondents, 74.2% of children were fully immunised, while 25.8% had partial immunisation. These figures underscore the significant challenge of ensuring full immunisation, particularly for routine vaccines like BCG, DPT, and Pentavalent.

The majority of participants (84.2%) were aged between 21-35 years, with a balanced sex distribution among the children, 49.2% male and 50.8% female. Importantly, 100% of participants recognised the importance of immunisation for children’s health. Accessibility to immunisation services was generally positive, with 85% of respondents reporting that vaccination centers were located less than 1 km away. This reflects the improvement in healthcare infrastructure but highlights the need for further outreach to ensure no child is left behind.

Despite these positive aspects, the study also revealed some factors influencing immunisation dropout. The bivariate analysis found no clear association between dropout rates and specific factors, but the Spearman correlation test identified a positive link between dropout rates and the sex of children, as well as the type of family structure. While the results did not pinpoint exact causes for dropout, the study suggests that targeted interventions, particularly focusing on family dynamics and gender-sensitive approaches, could help address gaps in immunisation coverage.

The findings from this study align with the broader goal of the CLH Bangladesh to improve immunisation equity and ensure every child in the country is reached with life-saving vaccines. Through sustained efforts, including community engagement and the Reaching Every Child approach, it is possible to reduce the number of under-immunised children, moving closer to the goal of universal immunisation. The study calls for continued collaboration with policymakers, health workers, and communities to enhance immunisation services and ultimately protect all children in Bangladesh from preventable diseases.

Reference: 

Ahmed M, Parveen R, Billah I, Dola TA, Shormi A. Causes of Dropout from immunization among children in two selected slum area of Dhaka City. East West Med. Coll. J. [Internet]. 2024 Oct. 28 [cited 2024 Dec. 5];12(1):14-20. Available from: https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/EWMCJ/article/view/77174